Articles by: Carole Karabashian

ACS Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report

Atlantic Christian School is pleased to release its 2020-2021 Annual Report, which was mailed in early August to school families, donors, and other community supporters, including area churches, nonprofits, foundations, and businesses. The report provides a snapshot of school life for our students from preschool to the 12th grade — from service projects and spiritual development to fine arts, athletics, and outstanding achievement in various writing, design, and spelling contests.

The Annual Report also highlights enhancements to the school’s facilities and security upgrades, such as a new PA system, the installation of a Buddy Bench in the school playground, and adding new security fencing around the outdoor basketball court and school greenhouse.

Atlantic Christian expresses its deepest appreciation to all of its 2020-2021 contributors. The Annual Report recognized and thanked the 227 donors who gave cash gifts, grants, and gifts of equipment and services valued at $200 or more during the 2020-2021 fiscal year, from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

The generous support of our school families and friends in the community continues to enable ACS to carry out its mission to impact the world for Jesus Christ by nurturing and equipping students with a Biblical worldview through an accredited educational program.

To get involved and help make a difference in the lives of our students, please donate now to our Annual Fund.

CLICK HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the ACS Annual Fund.

CLICK HERE to read the 2020-2021 Annual Report, which is posted on our school’s website.

 

 

ACS Donates Fresh Produce from School Garden to Community FoodBank in August

Students in our summer Cougar Camp harvested fresh produce from our school garden in August that was twice donated to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch, in Egg Harbor Township. The donations totaled 28 pounds of organically grown vegetables, including green beans, banana peppers, green peppers, snap peas, tomatoes, and zucchini.

Our Cougar Camp students have been active in the school garden all summer – watering, weeding, harvesting, and planting seeds for fall vegetables. They have also been sampling the fresh vegetables, including carrots, lettuce, radishes, green beans, tomatoes, and beets.

Three ACS elementary students in Cougar Camp this summer participated in the after-school Garden Club last spring that planted the vegetable seeds in the garden and they were excited to see the bountiful harvest from their efforts.  The students, pictured above from left, are Nova Ciapppina, Callie Gibson, and Barrett Woods. The Garden Club was overseen by ACS faculty members Eric Tardif and Rebecca Jackson, who both also worked in Cougar Camp this summer.

Representatives from the Community FoodBank thanked ACS for its donations, which were delivered to their facilities in Egg Harbor Township on August 11 and August 19. Pictured below with Development and Communications Director Carole Karabashian (in center) are CJ Cicchino and Keishia Campbell, who received and weighed the produce on August 19.

Thank you to the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program for providing grants to support our garden, which was first established in 2015.  AtlantiCare also provided a grant for an ACS greenhouse, which is adjacent to the school garden.

 

 

ACS Holds Successful Life-Saving August Red Cross Blood Drive

Thank you to everyone who donated blood at our American Cross Blood Drive on August 9 and helped make the life-saving event a success. We collected 25 units of blood — which will provide critical aid for up to 75 area hospital patients.

We plan to hold our next blood drive on Friday, October 22 and another one in February 2022.  Please mark your calendar so that you can participate. More details will be posted in upcoming issues of the “Cougar Current,” on our school website, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

ACS has been a partner with the American Red Cross as a blood drive sponsor since 2008. The blood drives are organized by the ACS Student Council, overseen by Student Council faculty advisor Dave Genter.

Register to Donate Blood for August 9 Red Cross Blood Drive at ACS

Donate blood and help save a life. Make an appointment to donate blood on Monday, August 9 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at the American Red Cross Blood Drive at Atlantic Christian School. All donors will receive a coupon from Dunkin Donuts for a free medium iced coffee and donut while supplies last.

All donors will have their temperature checked prior to admittance to the blood drive. The Red Cross is also now testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

Since 2008, ACS has hosted American Red Cross blood drives to help meet the urgent needs of patients at hospitals in our community.

CLICK HERE to make an appointment on the Red Cross website or visit RedCrossBlood.org, enter the zip code “08234,” and locate our August 9 drive.

 

We’re Growing and Hiring is Underway for New Teachers, Early Ed Aide, Event Coordinator for Upcoming School Year

We’re hiring! We’re excited about growing and adding new classes this fall.  We have several openings for new elementary teachers for the 2021-2022 school year and we are also seeking an Early Education Teacher Aide, and an Event Coordinator to oversee our exciting school activities.  Apply now and join the award-winning team at ACS — voted one of the best places to work in the 2020 Best of the Press Reader’s Choice Awards!

For more information, contact our Human Resources Manager at asanchez@acseht.org.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Vote to Nominate ACS Summer Camp, Child Daycare Center for 2021 Best of the Press Awards

Voting is now open through August 8 to nominate ACS for Best Summer Camp and Best Child Daycare Center in the 2021 Best of the Press Awards. Help us make it to the winners circle again. Only the top 5 nominees in each category will advance to the final voting round.

Nominate ACS for “Best Summer Camp” in the “In the Community” category and for “Best Child Daycare Center” located in the “Services” category.

CLICK HERE to nominate ACS.

Two ACS Middle School Students Selected as Winners in PSA Graphic Arts Contest on Dangers of Underage Drinking

Two ACS students were selected as winners in the Join Together Atlantic County Underage Drinking PSA Contest — From left, Amber Cutano, Join Together Atlantic County Community Coalition Assistant, 6th grader Kalee Tardif, and 8th grader Taylor Sutton.

Congratulations to two ACS middle school students — 8th grader Taylor Sutton and 6th grader Kalee Tardif — who were recently  selected as winners in a Public Service Announcement Graphic Arts Contest about the dangers of underage drinking, sponsored by Join Together Atlantic County (JTAC).

Taylor’s graphic image, entitled “Think Before You Drink,” took 2nd place, and Kalee’s artwork, entitled “Be Wize – Stay Sober, Stay Cool” came in 3rd place. Both winners received a certificate and a gift card.

The contest was open to all students in Atlantic County in the 6th-8th grades. The theme of the contest was a message to parents from youth about the dangers of underage drinking or providing alcohol to those under 21.

Taylor and Kalee created their PSA posters during Middle School Computer Class in May.  They designed their posters in Google Slides, using clipart, fonts, and drawing tools. Computer teacher Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney submitted their artwork to the contest by the May 21 deadline, along with designs created by some 35 of their fellow classmates. The contest winners were announced on July 7 by Join Together Atlantic County, a countywide substance misuse prevention coalition.

According to the JTAC,  the younger a person starts drinking, the more likely he or she is to have alcohol problems later in life. A person who starts drinking as a young teen is four times more likely to become an alcoholic than someone who does not drink until age 21. The brain is still forming in teenagers and teen drinking can cause permanent brain damage.

CLICK HERE to read an article about the contest that appeared in the July 7 Downbeach newspaper.

 

ACS Hosting Simulcast of Promise Keepers Men’s Conference on July 16-17

Atlantic Christian School is hosting a simulcast of the Promise Keepers Men’s Conference on July 16 and 17 at its Egg Harbor Township campus, in partnership with Friendship Bible Church.

The Promise Keepers Men’s Conference is being simulcast from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Some of the 13 featured speakers and worship leaders at the two-day conference will include Nick Vujicic, founder of Life Without Limbs and best-selling author of “Life Without Limits”; Jonathan Evans, former NFL fullback and chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks; Carter Conlon, Pastor of Times Square Church and host of “It’s Time to Pray”; and Tauren Wells, Grammy nominated worship leader, singer, and songwriter.

The conference simulcast will be held on Friday, July 16 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost to attend the conference simulcast is $20 and the school campus is located at 391 Zion Road in Egg Harbor Township. Handicapped parking is available.

CLICK HERE to register to attend the conference simulcast.

“We are very pleased to host this conference to provide a place for men throughout southern New Jersey to gather and be inspired by the Word of God as they hear bold messages about how to be godly leaders in their homes, in their churches, and in their communities,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen.

Friendship Bible Church Pastor John Quinn of Friendship Bible Church noted that the past year has been isolating for millions of men and that the brokenness in our culture has left many men confused about what godly manhood looks like.

“For any men who have been struggling with isolation, confusion, and a lost sense of purpose, this 2021 Men’s Conference will be a place of community, clarity, and restoration,” Pastor Quinn said. “We look forward to connecting with men from across our community to build relationships and brotherhood in Christ.”

According to Pastor Quinn, Promise Keepers challenges men to focus on seven promises: to honor Christ through worship, prayer, and obedience in the power of the Holy Spirit; to purse vital relationships with other men to strengthen the brothers as they seek to keep promises in their lives; to practice spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity; to build strong marriages and families through love, protection, and Biblical values; to serve others with integrity and pray for the leadership of their churches and our nation; to reach beyond racial and denominational barriers to build Biblical unity; and to reach the world with the Great Commission.

New GEMS Elective Class Gives Middle School Girls Opportunity to Develop Confidence, Poise, and Personal Growth

A new elective class offered this spring semester — called GEMS — gave middle school girls an opportunity to gain confidence and poise as young ladies, focusing on developing their beauty on the outside and the inside. During the final day of the twice-weekly class on June 4, the students received special “Diamond” and “Sapphire” certificates for completing the course, which was developed by Mrs. Elaine Santo, a retired teacher and former Miss Delaware.

“I loved calling these girls God’s gems because they are so very precious and valuable in God’s sight,” Santo said.  “Our outward beauty comes from the inside and we spent time in class learning about what God’s Word says about beauty and memorizing Bible verses that provide insight on how we should think, speak, act, and react.” At the end of every class, Santo said she made sure to remind her students to “be the best that you can be.”

GEMS is an acronym that stands for “Girls Empowered for the Master’s Service” and this is the first time that Santo has presented her unique program in a school setting. She developed the curriculum about a dozen years ago at the request of several parents at Hammonton Assembly of God, where she attended at the time.  The first class she held in the church was so well-received that doors opened for her to expand it into a one-day conference in 2012. Since then, she has held a number of conferences throughout South Jersey.

Santo said GEMS is based on Proverbs 31:10-31, which describes the characteristics of a virtuous woman. She is now putting the finishing touches on her GEMS program, including creating teacher and student manuals and resources, such as PowerPoints and games, to be able to publish the curriculum and reach more students in schools and churches across the country.

Santo has deep roots in education. She served as a public school teacher for 21 years, teaching 8th grade math in the Galloway Middle School and special education at the Belhaven Middle School in Linwood. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 education and special education, a Master’s in educational leadership, and is certified to be a principal/supervisor.

Her passion for teaching young women to be confident and look their best comes from her own life experience. While attending the University of Delaware, she entered the Miss Delaware scholarship pageant in 1975 and won. The next year she competed in the Miss America pageant.

“Competing in the pageants is where I learned confidence, poise, and etiquette,” Santo said. “I also developed the ability to speak to large groups of people without thinking twice, and I have continued to draw upon all those skills throughout my life.”  Santo said the knowledge and experience she gained through her pageant days, combined with her love for the Lord and the wisdom found in God’s Word, enabled her to develop the GEMS program.

Santo now lives in Smithville and has two children. Her daughter, Gina Wilson, is the high school math teacher at ACS and her son, Frank Santo, is a Galloway Township Councilman. In addition to teaching her GEMS program, Santo serves in full-time ministry as the New Jersey State Representative for Aglow International.

Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Eighteen seniors processed into the school’s gymnasium on June 4 to receive their diplomas from Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen and Board of Directors’ Chair Les Tomlinson and to thank their teachers and family members for their guidance and support.

Mrs. Oblen opened the program by congratulating the students for making it through a year that has been “a faith walk in which none of us knew what was in store.” Oblen encouraged the students to let God be their guide as they step forward into the future. “It is my prayer that the Lord will fill you with faith, hope, love, and wisdom as you serve Him with the gifts and talents that He has given each of you,” Oblen said.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale gave the closing remarks, noting that the Class of 2021 had learned patience and resilience, “qualities that you will need as you move forward into the next stage of your lives.” She also announced that the students, most of who will be attending college in the fall, had received over $303,000 in scholarships after being offered over $1,027,000 from the various schools to which they applied. Two students — Jeremiah Engle and Joshua Jacoby — will be serving in the U.S. military.

Featured student speakers at Commencement — From left, Valedictorian Sydney Pearson, Salutatorian Kami DeNick, and Chloe Vogel, who delivered the Christian Character Address.

Salutatorian Kami DeNick, 17, of Mays Landing, thanked the administration, faculty, and staff for working hard to make the school year as normal as possible.  “This past year was full of uncertainties, but through it all, the Lord gave us so many blessings,” DeNick said. She encouraged her fellow classmates from Deuteronomy 31:8, noting that as they step into the next chapter of their lives, “know that the Lord is going before us; He is writing our next chapter so we don’t need to be afraid.” DeNick was one of five students in the class who had attended ACS since kindergarten. She will be attending Liberty University in the fall.

Valedictorian Sydney Pearson, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, thanked the teachers for building relationships with their students that have helped guide them through their high school years. “You have had a forever impact on our lives,” Pearson said. “You have trained us how to think for ourselves and how to form our own opinions on what we personally believe instead of conforming to the world.” Pearson challenged her fellow graduates and those listening in the audience to keep their focus and attention on God and to strive to glorify Him in everything they do. “Don’t lose track of who you are in the Lord; keep Christ at the center of your mind no matter where life takes you,” Pearson said. Pearson also attended ACS since kindergarten. She will be attending Stockton University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing.

Commencement keynote speaker Pastor Walter Nistorenko

Pastor Walter Nistorenko, lead pastor at Abundant Life Church in Seaville, delivered the commencement keynote address, and encouraged the graduates to discover and understand their identity and purpose in God.  “Success in life is not about making money or achieving fame,” Nistorenko said. “When you discover the calling that God has for you — your God-given purpose — you will come alive and will be able to establish a legacy for you and your children.”

Senior Rebekah Kimmerley performed “My Wish,” accompanied by Mrs. Jane Zigner.

Other graduates who participated in the program were Chloe Vogel, who gave the Christian character address, and Rebekah Kimmerley, who sang an uplifting rendition of “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Kimmerley has been a member of the High School Praise and Worship team that has led worship time during the weekly 6th-12th grade chapel. Vogel and Kimmerley will be attending Atlantic Cape Community College in the fall and plan to pursue careers in education.

CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Commencement 2021 on the ACS website. Additional photos, taken by photographer John Loreaux, can be viewed and purchased at www.loreaux.zenfolio.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year-End Chapels Recognize Students for Academic Excellence, Christian Conduct, and More

Elementary students in the 1st-5th grades who achieved Highest Honors in academics were recognized and received certificates at the June 9 Awards Chapel.

Year-end Awards Chapels on June 9 and 11 recognized students in grades 1-5 and in grades 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 for their hard work and accomplishments in their academic subjects as well as in the areas of physical fitness, service, citizenship, and demonstrating Christian character. Principals and teachers alike remarked that while this year was one of growth, it was also about learning to persevere and thrive in the face of challenges and adversity.

Elementary Principal Gail Alford and Upper School Principal Meg McHale both reflected in their chapel remarks on this year’s theme verse from 1 Corinthians 16:13 — to be on your guard, to stand firm in the faith, and be courageous and strong.   “It is my hope that in the times you need to stand firm you will remember to suit up with your belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, your feet fitted with the gospel of peace, your shield of faith, your helmet of salvation and your sword of faith.” Alford said. “With the armor God there is nothing that can stand against you.”

At the Elementary Awards Chapel, students were honored for making the Honor Roll and for significant achievement in Music, Art, Physical Fitness, Spanish, and Computer Science. Each classroom teacher also recognized individual students for highest academic average, most improved, and exemplifying Christian character with their fellow classmates. Elementary Principal Gail Alford praised the students for their hard work and dedication.

At the Middle School/High School Awards Chapel, a quartet of students from the Praise and Worship Team — Elizabeth Alford, Tommy Ellison, Evangelina Kim, and Jada Logan — led the worship time singing “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Music.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale gave the devotional, sharing with students that no one can live a perfect life, that mistakes and bad decisions are inevitable, but that standing firm in the faith also means to be willing to acknowledge your mistakes, ask forgiveness from God, and move forward committed to change and do better.

After the devotional, students were recognized for various achievements, including  achieving the highest academic average in their grade and in individual subjects, the Presidential Fitness Awards, and the Citizenship and COMPASS Awards.

 

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Elementary Honors Chapel.

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Middle School/High School Honors Chapel.

ACS Prays for God’s Direction and Guidance for 8th Grade Students at Blessing Ceremony

ACS celebrated the accomplishments and prayed for God’s direction and guidance for twenty-seven 8th grade students at a “Blessing Ceremony” on Thursday, June 10 in the school’s gymnasium.

The ceremony began with Seth Phillips, Ava Nixon, and Adam Schlundt leading the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Following prayer by Isabell Alford, ACS senior and valedictorian of the Class of 2021, Sydney Pearson, gave a challenge to the class, giving them specific tips on ways they can grower stronger in their Christian faith.

Before the presentation of scholarships and awards by Upper School Principal Meg McHale and Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, middle school math teacher George Dixon and Bible teacher Grant Miller shared advice and heartfelt farewells to the class. A number of students were recognized for their accomplishments in academics, citizenship, community service, and displaying exemplary Christian character. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner presented a number of students with Presidential Fitness Awards.

On behalf of the Parent Teacher Fellowship, PTF President Terry Vogel presented a devotional and a gift card to 4 students who had attended ACS since kindergarten — Rebecca DiMaio, Aine Dorsey, Seth Phillips, and Makayla Tomlinson. Mrs. Vogel said the gifts were a way of saying thank you to the families who had made a long-term commitment to Christian education.

After students received their awards and certificates of completion, a quarter of high school students on the Praise and Worship team delivered a powerful rendition of “The Blessing,” by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Music.  Members of the Middle School faculty then began a new tradition by coming forward to stand among the students where they were seated on stage to prayer over them and ask for God’s blessing and protection. Faculty member Amy Parker led the faculty prayer of blessing. After remarks from Upper School Principal Meg McHale, 8th grader Rebecca DiMaio closed the ceremony in prayer.

Following is a list of the special awards and scholarships that were presented to students in the 8th grade class:

  • Academic Subject Awards for Highest Average — Isabell Alford in PE and Bible; Charlie Costello in PE; Sophia Johnson in Bible, Honors Language Arts, Integrated Science, Social Studies, and Algebra 1; Justin Schlundt in Language; Taylor Sutton in Bible, Integrated Science, and Social Studies; and Mikayla Tomlinson in Language Arts and Pre Algebra.
  • Highest Honors, earning a 3.8 or higher GPA — Isabell Alford, Alexander Deliivanov, Aine Dorsey, Sophia Johnson, Alek Stein, and Taylor Sutton
  • High Honors, earning a 3.5-3.79 GPA — CJ Ford and Ava Nixon
  • Citizenship Award, for service to others and to the school — Isabell Alford
  • COMPASS Award, in recognition of outstanding character and Christian testimony — Justin Schlundt and Makayla Tomlinson
  • Cougar Award, given to a boy and girl student who has demonstrated Christian character, leadership, and responsibility in athletics — Isabell Alford and Charlie Costello
  • Parent Teacher Fellowship Scholarship, for the best essays on what Jesus says about serving others and how their experiences at ACS have incorporated service — Taylor Sutton, 1st place; Rebecaa DiMaio and Makayla Tomlinson tied for 2nd place

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the 8th Grade Blessing Ceremony.

New Beginnings – PreK4, K Students Promoted at June Programs

Hundreds of family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate a great year of learning and growing at Promotion Programs for Kindergarten on June 8 and for the PreK4 students on June 9. The programs, filled with smiles and songs, allowed students to demonstrate their accomplishments and praise God for His faithfulness throughout the school year.

The lively Kindergarten Graduation program was filled with prayers, songs, skits, smiles and hugs. The students delighted the audience with a series of songs that told the story of a day in the life of kindergarten.  Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford then presided over the presentation of diplomas to 39 kindergarten students, who proudly posed with their white graduation caps.

Kindergarten teachers Julie Reilly and Ashley Vaccaro presented their students with special awards for achievement in science, math, language, penmanship, ible, Bible verse memorization, Christian character, and Most Improved.  They’re ready for first grade!

At the Early Education Promotion Program on June 9, 41 PreK4 students received diplomas and warm hugs from their teachers, Teresa Bird and Jennifer Kelley.  Family members and friends smiled and clapped along as each of the classes, from Infants to PreK4, performed songs they had learned this past year. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing you in Kindergarten!

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Kindergarten Graduation.

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Early Education Promotion Program.

Classroom Cameo — 5th Grade Students Have a Blast With Volcano Project

During the last week of school, the students in Mrs. Kiefer’s 5th grade class researched famous volcanos and then did a class project constructing mini-replicas out of recycled materials. The final step of the project was to simulate a volcanic eruption, and according to Mrs. Kiefer — “It was a blast.”

The students worked in teams of 3 and 4 to construct their volcanos, using completed workbooks and worksheets as the base material.  “Allowing the students to tear up their spelling workbooks and make something out of their old work was very gratifying,” Kiefer said. All items used for the project were recycled materials.

The students use a paper mache solution to cover their volcano structures and then painted them various earth-tone colors to look like a volcanos.

On June 10, the final day of the project, the students enjoyed making their volcanos erupt by combining baking soda, vinegar, dish soap and red dye.

Students Enjoy Planting Herbs, Vegetables in School Garden, Learn about Composting in After-School Garden Club

Students in the after-school Garden Club were busy in the school garden and greenhouse this spring, prepping the raised beds, planting herbs and vegetables, and learning how to compost. A donation of eco-soil from the Atlantic County Utilities Authority and seeds from ACE Hardware in Egg Harbor Township helped kick-start the planting season.

“We are very grateful to the ACUA and ACE Hardware for showing their support for our school garden and greenhouse program,” said 4th grade teacher Eric Tardif, who is co-advisor of the Garden Club along with 4th grade teacher Rebecca Jackson. The 20 students in the Garden Club began meeting on April 15 and met every Thursday through June 10.

The ACUA donated and delivered 10 cubic yards of eco-soil on April 21 and the students got to work adding the new soil into the eight raised beds the next day. In the greenhouse, the students planted a number of herbs in baskets and starter trays, including basil, lavender, oregano, peppermint, and rosemary, and then replanted the young plants in the raised beds.

On April 29, the students put together a new compost bin and learned about composting. Mrs. Jackson, who has a compost bin for her own home garden, talked about what food scraps and other materials contribute to the decomposition process in a compost bin. As a snack, the students ate apples and put the cores into the compost bin.

In addition to planting herbs, the students have planted beets, carrots, green beans, radishes, spinach, squash, and tomatoes.  The first harvesting experience came on June 10, when the students picked radishes and enjoyed tasting them and taking some home to their families.

Tardif said activity in the school garden will continue through the summer with participation by students in the summer Cougar Camp program.

High School, Middle School Students Receive Awards for Athletic Participation, Leadership, and Team Success

High school and middle school students who played on an ACS sports team during the 2020-2021 school year received recognition for their participation, leadership, and athletic abilities at Athletic Awards Programs on May 28 and June 7.

At the High School Athletics Awards event on May 28, it was a time to celebrate and reflect on a distinguished year of achievement. In the fall sports season, the Varsity Girls’ Soccer team won the Tri-State Christian Athletic Championship for the fifth year in a row and senior Chloe Vogel was named the conference MVP for the second consecutive year. Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach Carly Witherow was named TSCAC Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. The Varsity Boys’ Soccer team finished the regular season in first place, the first time since 2012, but after playoff competition ended the season in third place.

In the winter season of Varsity Basketball, both the Boys’ and Girls’ teams earned the TSCAC Championship Title. The Varsity Boys’ team, under the experienced leadership of senior point guard Malachi Green, beat the first place undefeated team, King’s Christian School, in an exciting and memorable championship game. During the Awards Program, Hitchner announced that Green will be attending Middlesex College in the fall to play basketball and he signed his Letter of Intent during the program.

Senior Malachi Brown signing his Letter of Intent to play basketball in the fall at Middlesex College.

The Varsity Girls’ Basketball team was undefeated, finishing in first place in the regular season and achieving the conference title. Senior Cristen Winkel was name the TSCAC Girls’ Basketball MVP.  During the season, co-captain Sydney Pearson got her 1,000th career point and co-captain Olivia Chapman pulled down 500 career rebounds. The ACS girls’ and boys’ teams took first place in the TSCAC track meet. The spring Baseball/Softball season had not yet concluded, but Hitchner congratulated both teams for making it into the final TSCAC championship games to be held just days after the awards program.

11th grader Aaron Glancey and 12th grader Chloe Vogel were chosen by the Athletic Department to be the recipients of the 2021 Billy Robinson Award that recognizes one high school boy and one high school girl for significant achievement, Christian testimony, and athletic ability. Joshua Jacoby, Shelby Einwechter, and Sydney Pearson  received the Cougar Award, which is given to seniors who have demonstrated outstanding Christian character, leadership, responsibility, and commitment in the area of athletics.

During the program, the head coaches of the various teams presented certificates and special awards to their players, including the Coach’s Award, Most Valuable Player, and Most Improved Player. The coaches participating in the program were: girls’ soccer — Carly Witherow; girls’ basketball — Kaylee Breunig and Dara Kimmerley; boys’ soccer — Andres Tortola; boys’ basketball — Dan Carney; boys’ baseball — Gus Casey; and girls’ softball — Dara Kimmerley. Cheer team co-coach Kelly Flynn presented a Varsity letter and cheer pin to high school members of the squad. Hitchner also recognized senior Shelby Einwechter for winning first place in the TSCAC Golf Tournament on May 19, with a score of 41 (+7).

At the Middle School Athletic Awards program on June 7, students who participated in soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and cheer were recognized and honored. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner thanked the coaches for an outstanding year in spite of challenges dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. There was no conference competition during the soccer and basketball seasons within the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, of which ACS is a member. But in non-conference play, the Middle School Girls’ soccer team lost just one game and the Girls’ basketball team went undefeated. The Middle School Boys’ Soccer team had an undefeated season and the Boys’ Basketball team had an 11-2 winning season. The Middle School boys’ and girls’ track teams also came in first place in the TSCAC track meet.

In the spring, Atlantic Cape League competition resumed for the Middle School Baseball and Softball seasons, with all league schools playing in one bracket. The MS Boys’ Baseball team and the MS Girls’ Softball team each lost just one game during the season and both finished in 2nd place in the league.

During the Middle School program, Hitchner also thanked and recognized two new first-year coaches for their efforts — Brandon Stevens (boys’ soccer) and Charlie Costello (boys’ baseball). The other head coaches of Middle School teams, who presented certificates to their players and spoke about their accomplishments, were: girls’ soccer — Casey Hopwood (unable to attend, but her remarks were read by Hitchner); girls’ basketball — Grant Miller; boys’ basketball — Lee Martin; softball — Mike Bohs; and cheer — Kelly Flynn and Morgan Gibson. The athletes and family members enjoyed ice cream sundaes at a reception following the ceremony.

 

Mental Health Awareness Poster Created by 11th Grader Amber Ramos Selected as Southern Region Winner in Statewide Contest

ACS 11th grader Amber Ramos, right, with Technology teacher Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney in the ACS computer lab with Amber’s winning poster, “Together We Can Overcome the Darkness” displayed on the screen.

Congratulations to 11th grader Amber Ramos, who combined her artistic talents with technology skills to design a poster that was recently selected as the Southern Region Winner in the Teens4Teens Mental Health PSA Contest. Amber designed her winning poster using ProCreate and Affinity, software programs that she learned to use this year in her high school “Information Technology” class taught by faculty member Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney.

“Amber is a very talented artist and she is certainly deserving of the spotlight for her work,” said Hahn-Chaney.  Amber’s poster, entitled “Together We Can Overcome the Darkness,” was one of eight winning student entries selected for recognition in the statewide contest held in May, which was Mental Health Awareness Month. The contest sponsors created a video to announce the winners on June 8 and posted the video on YouTube that features Amber’s poster and the other winning entries. Amber will also be receiving a $200 prize for her poster design

The contest was sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Heath, in partnership with The Center for Prevention and Counseling, Empower Somerset, the 2nd Floor Youth Helpline, and AtlantiCare Healthy Schools.  The goal of the Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest was to promote mental wellness and support youth who may be going through a difficult time, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s long and short-term circumstances and effects.

Hahn-Chaney said she challenged Amber and her fellow classmates to enter the contest using the computer software programs they had learned to use during class. Amber said she created her poster on a tablet, working on the design during class and at home.  Three other students — Isaac Choi, Joseph Choi, and Daniel Kim — created posters that Hahn-Chaney also submitted into the contest and their posters are displayed below.

CLICK HERE to view the contest winners on YouTube that features Amber’s poster along with the other winning entries.

 

 

12th Grader Sydney Pearson One of 25 Area Seniors to Receive Press of Atlantic City Young Leaders Award

Congratulations to 12th grader Sydney Pearson for recently being selected as a recipient of the 2021 Press of Atlantic City Young Leaders Award. She is one of 25 seniors that were selected among nominees from high schools in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and southern Ocean counties for this special award that honors Southern New Jersey’s most community-minded seniors.

Sydney and the other award recipients were selected on the basis of their academic skills, diverse extracurricular activities, and service to their communities. Sydney is also receiving a small monetary scholarship.  She was interviewed by the Press for a full-page article on her that was part of a pull-out section published by The Press of Atlantic City on Thursday, June 10 and also posted on the newspaper’s website.

In the article, Sydney talks about how her faith inspires her to help others. “In the Bible, we are taught to be servants of Christ, and I believe that by following Jesus’ example, we’re able to do that for others,” Sydney said.

Sydney was the Valedictorian of the ACS Class of 2021, with a 4.28 GPA, was President of the Student Council, and team captain of the Varsity Girls’ soccer, basketball, and softball teams. During her high school career Sydney also participated in community service activities in her neighborhood, as well as serving communities in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas as part of ACS missions trips. Sydney will be attending Stockton University in the fall, where she will major in nursing.

We’re proud of you, Sydney! Keep using your gifts as a leader to be a world-changer.

CLICK HERE to read the Young Leaders Press article on Sydney.

Three Local Restaurants Win Top Honors for Best Soup in 2021 Bowls Of Hope Soup Fundraiser

Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar Manager, Amanda Wyzen-Gregory, right, and her daughter, Sadie, recently accepted the Bowls of Hope Golden Spoon Award for the People’s Choice Best Soup from ACS Development and Communications Director Carole Karabashian.

Congratulations to three local restaurants who were the top vote-getters in our 2021 Bowls of Hope Soup Fundraiser, receiving the largest number of votes for “favorite soup” in on-line voting that concluded on May 31.  And the winners are — Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, Sana & Sadia’s Mediterranean Cafe, and Towne & Country Cafe.

ACS presented Bowls of Hope “Golden Spoon Award” certificates to representatives from each of the restaurants on Monday, June 14.  The winning restaurants were the top 3 vote-getters out of 15 restaurants that participated in this year’s Bowls of Hope Super Soup Coupon Card fundraiser. The Coupon Cards were sold for $20 each in February and March and purchasers could use the Coupon Card to receive a free cup of soup for a minimum purchase from February 1 through May 31, 2021 and then vote for the restaurant that served their favorite soup.

Amanda Wyzen-Gregory accepted the award on behalf of Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar in Somers Point from Carole Karabashian, the ACS Development and Communications Director.  Amanda, who is the manager of Gregory’s and an ACS parent, was joined in the photo by her daughter, Sadie, an ACS 1st grader. Gregory’s offered a complimentary cup of its “Soup of the Day” on the Coupon Card.

At Sana & Sadia’s Mediterranean Cafe  in Egg Harbor Township, ACS presented the award to chef Sana Nammour, and her husband and owner, Jacob Nammour. The restaurant offered its signature “Chicken Tortellini Soup” to Bowls of Hope Coupon Card holders.

Towne & Country Cafe owner Steve Thomas received the award for his restaurant, located in Egg Harbor Township, that offered Coupon Card holders a complimentary cup of its “Soup of the Day.”  Thomas is an ACS alumni parent and his restaurant provides the school lunches at ACS.

Thank you to our winning restaurants and the 12 other restaurants who participated in this year’s fundraiser. The proceeds from the sale of the Coupon Cards and support from sponsors raised over $9,300 that benefited ACS and the Community FoodBank of South Jersey.  The 15 Bowls of Hope participating restaurants were: Barrels; Bahay Kubo; Gaspare’s Italian Bistro; Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar; La Cucina Ristorante; Linwood Country Club; Maurizio’s Express EHT; Ocean City Cafe; Sana & Sadia’s Cafe; Stir It Up; Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall; The Spot; Towne & Country Cafe; Velo Cafe, and Windjammer Diner.

10th Grader Reyna Lewis Recently Accepted into Harvard University’s Summer Scholars Program

10th grader Reyna Lewis, right, was recently accepted into Harvard University’s Summer Scholars Program. Guidance Counselor Christina Ragland, left, assisted Reyna in the application process.

Congratulations to 10th grader Reyna Lewis for recently being accepted into Harvard University’s Summer Scholars Program.  Reyna will be taking two biology courses through the Harvard program that will earn her eight college credits and move her one step closer to her dream of becoming an anesthesiologist.  After high school, Reyna hopes to attend Duke University to study anesthesiology.

Reyna reached out in February to Guidance Counselor Christina Ragland for assistance with the application process to Harvard’s program and to a similar summer program at the University of Miami, and she was accepted to both programs.

“Reyna is a very focused and determined young lady,” Ragland said. “Her work ethic, leadership qualities, and genuine spirit have set a solid foundation for her even as a 10th grade student.”  Earlier this year, Reyna was also nominated and inducted into Atlantic Christian’s chapter of the National Honor Society.

“I am thankful that the Harvard community was able to see qualities in Reyna that we see here at ACS,” Ragland said. “I am beyond proud of her and know that she will represent our school well.” As part of the application process, Ragland submitted a letter of recommendation for Reyna and provided documents requested regarding her academics.

The two courses that Reyna will be taking during the Harvard program from June 21 to August 8 are “Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology” and “Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology.” Due to COVID-19 concerns, she will not be spending her summer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but will be taking the classes online.

Reyna’s parents, Jason and Ruby Lewis, were pleased to see the effort that Reyna made to research and find the summer programs and to start the application process.

“We could not be more proud of Reyna, but we pray that she will look to and follow God’s plan for her life above all else,” Mrs. Lewis said.  “We are also thankful for the important role Mrs. Ragland played. She was a tremendous help in guiding Reyna toward her goals.”

ACS Hosts Annual Thank-You Lunch for Volunteers, Staff

ACS recognized and thanked volunteers, faculty, and staff for their commitment and service over the past school year at our school’s annual Thank-You Lunch on Thursday, June 8 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Event and Digital Marketing Manager  PJ Santos said that ACS was blessed with some 70 parents, grandparents, and friends in the community who gave generously of their time and talents as volunteers.  “We couldn’t have accomplished what we did this year without our faithful volunteers,” Santos said, as she recognized each volunteer and presented them with a potted plant as a Thank-You gift.

Some of the volunteers who attended the luncheon served in the lunch room, on the Parent Teacher Fellowship board, sold concessions in the Cougar Den, helped train teachers in integrating technology into the curriculum, served on the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Committee, and helped with the Race for Education and Harvest Day events.

The volunteers pictured are, back row from left: Katelin Klingert, Greg Louderback, Rudy Lushina, Melissa Reed, Robbie Schlundt, and Jill Schlundt; first row from left: Amanda Costello, Lisa Connolly, Angela Lushina, Connie Macpherson, Brenda Maurer, Alisun Klingert-Richards, Terry Vogel, and Patty Rosie.

ACS also gave a warm send-off to seven faculty/staff members who are leaving ACS to pursue other endeavors.  “You will always be a part of our ACS Family and our heart,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Our door is always open for you and we will be praying for you.”

Oblen presented the departing employees with personalized ACS sweat-shirts and framed word art created out of words that fellow employees used to described their character and abilities.

The seven departing employees are, from left to right: High school Bible teacher Zach Monroe; Early Education aide Abigail Vogel; Boys’ PE teacher and coach Ben Chapman; Event and Digital Marketing Manager PJ Santos; 5th grade teacher Bethany Kiefer; 5th grade teacher Gretchen Murphy; and 3rd grade teacher Karen Fosbenner.

 

Servant’s Heart Club Blesses Moms, School Staff with Appreciation Projects in May and June

ACS elementary students in the Servant’s Heart Club continued to find unique ways to serve and bless others for their final two projects in May and June — decorating flower pots and planting a flower in them as gifts for Mother’s Day and making ice cream sundaes to give to teachers and staff.

“It’s all about sharing God’s love by serving others,” said Club Advisor and ACS parent Jennifer DiMaio. “It’s important that we find ways to let the people God has put in our lives know that they are loved and appreciated.”  The 14 students from the 2nd to 5th grades who are members of the Club have been meeting after school on the first Tuesday of every month since October 2020 and each month’s project has had a different theme.

DiMaio said the students had fun at their May 4 meeting using colored markers to decorate their flower pots with artwork and special messages and were excited about giving them as gifts to their moms as well as to some of their teachers.  For their final club meeting on June 3, the students were treated to ice cream sundaes and then spent time making about 20 additional sundaes and delivering them to teachers and staff in their classrooms and offices, and to custodial staff in the hallways.

 

ACS Student Artwork Chosen for State-Wide Arts Festival

Artwork created by three ACS high school students has been selected to be part of the NJ Teen Arts Festival. From left: Art teacher Sherry Mirakian, 12th grader Kami DeNick, 11th grader Amber Ramos, and 12th grader Haoshen (Katherine) Kong.

Congratulations to three ACS high school students — Kami DeNick, Haoshen (Katherine) Kong, and Amber Ramos — who received high marks from judges for the spring Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival and whose artwork has advanced to be part of the 2021 NJ State Teen Arts Festival, which opened online on June 1.  The students’ artwork is being showcased in the festival,  along with other winning entries, on the njteenarts.com website for the entire year until next year’s festival.

For the state-level festival, in the Visual Arts 2D gallery on the website, Kami’s pastel and oil painting, entitled “Show Love,” and  Katherine’s water color and pen drawing, entitled “Dun Huang Mural,” are 2 of 17 featured entries by students from Atlantic County.  Amber Ramos’ 3D sculpture, created using wire and cardboard and entitled, “Rose,” is 1 of 3 featured entries from Atlantic County in the Visual Arts 3D gallery of the online NJ Teen Arts Festival.

“I am very pleased that once again several of our students have been recognized for their creative and artistic talents as part of  this annual festival,” said art teacher Sherry Mirakian.  “Our students are competing with their peers across the county and the state and they are having success.”  Mirakian also noted that senior Katherine Kong has been accepted to the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she will continue to develop her artistic skills in the fall.

Mirakian submitted artwork from 13 ACS high school students for the Atlantic County festival in mid-April. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was held virtually and photos of all artwork were submitted for judging.  For the county-level festival, students from 12 public or private schools, 1 piano studio, ,and 1 dance studio submitted 177 entries for judging.

CLICK HERE to view the ACS students’ artwork on the NJ Teen Arts Festival website.

 

Baccalaureate 2021 – Scholarships, Awards Announced; Seniors Challenged to Dedicate Their Lives to Serving God

Over 100 family members, faculty, and staff gathered for a time of prayer, worship, and presentation of awards and scholarships to the Class of 2021 at the Baccalaureate Service held at Harbor Pines Golf Club on Wednesday, June 2. Upper School Principal Meg McHale congratulated the seniors for their hard work and flexibility through a challenging year unlike any other and gave thanks to God for providing the strength and wisdom to persevere and succeed.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed everyone to the service and senior Rachel Whisman gave the opening prayer. Mrs. Jane Zigner led a time of worship, as voices were raised together to sing “In Christ Alone” and “Waymaker.”  Three faculty members — history teacher Amy Whisman, math teacher Gina Wilson, and math teacher — gave parting words of advice, encouraging the seniors to involve God in every aspect of their lives and to allow God to work through them to bless others (pictured below at right).

“All of us who have been your teachers will continue to be praying for you,” said Mrs. Wilson. “My prayer is that you learn to hear and discern the voice of God and that you dedicate yourselves to the ministry God has for you.”  The program concluded with ACS parent and Board of Directors’ member Kris Jacoby offering a prayer for God’s blessing on the Class of 2021.

A variety of scholarships and awards were presented during the program. Valedictorian Sydney Pearson and Salutatorian Kami DeNick (pictured below at left) were recognized and received the Academic Achievement Scholarships. Eight students out of the class of 18 (pictured below right) received certificates for Highest Honors for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher, and one student — Rebekah Kimmerley — received a certificate for High Honors for earning a GPA of 3.5-3.79.

Five seniors attended ACS since kindergarten and received a special PTF award presented by PTF President Terry Vogel.

Five students who attended ACS continuously since kindergarten (pictured at right) received a $100 gift from the Parent Teacher Fellowship, presented by PTF President Terry Vogel, who described an education at ACS as “a priceless investment.” “You can’t do a better thing for your child than to send them to ACS,” Vogel said.

Following is a list of the special scholarship and award recipients:

  • Academic Achievement Scholarship: Sydney Pearson and Kami DeNick
  • The 5:14 Award, based on 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (in honor of former faculty member Kim Ordile, to the senior who has shown themselves to be the most encouraging): Chloe Vogel
  • Mayor Hodson Community Service Scholarship: Katherine Kong and Sydney Pearson
  • Garrett-Freeman Memorial Music and Art Scholarship (sponsored by ACS alumni parent Barbara Freeman): Katherine Kong
  • COMPASS Award (for senior seeking to serve in education): Kayla DeNick
  • Red Cross Blood Drive Recruitment Award (for senior involved in planning/recruitment of school blood drives): Sydney Pearson
  • Senior Art Award (for senior seeking to use their artistic gifts in further studies): Katherine Kong
  • Parent Teacher Fellowship Scholarship (best essay reflecting on their experience at ACS as aligned with Biblical teaching: Chloe Vogel (1st place); Kami DeNick & Kayla DeNick (2nd place)

CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Baccalaureate.

 

Bike Day 2021 — Preschool Fun in the Sun

Bike Day 2021! Our preschool students got to bring their bicycles, tricycles, and scooters to school on Thursday, May 27 and spent the morning under beautiful, sunny skies riding around our track and enjoying other fun, outdoor activities on our campus.

May is National Bike Month and Bike Day is a popular annual event for our PreK2, PreK3, and PreK4 students. “It’s all about promoting health and fitness for our students,” said Early Education Director Gail Alford. “We want to see biking become a favorite activity for our preschool students and something that they will choose to do with their families and friends.”

Each class spent 30 minutes riding around the track and then moved to other areas on the campus throughout the morning to participate in other fun activities, including a sponge relay race and an inflatable obstacle course.  When all the activities were done, the students enjoyed a brown bag picnic lunch, followed by ice pops for dessert.

CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Bike Day.